Surviving the storm

Surviving the storm

Mark 4:35-41

And there arose a great storm of wind and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

Jeremiah 29:11

Sadly, we have all watched the devastating events surrounding Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Sandy has been called a Superstorm and it has caused major damage for thousands of people who are still struggling with the after effects of the storm. Storms can be life-changing events. There are some storms that come into our lives that we can prepare for and there are others, despite our best efforts, that we cannot. Storms sometimes come out of nowhere when we least expect it. Storms come by other names in our lives. Storms can come in the form of unemployment, divorce, health issues, finances, discrimination, etc. Storms are usually not welcomed in our lives but the bible narrative mentioned above tells us that we can survive the storms in our lives. During these times we need a God who is able to outlast the storms in our lives. Jesus shows his disciples, as he is able to show us, that he is able to survive any storm – no matter how perilous. Here are some things to remember when reading Mark 4:35-41.

Jesus says to his disciples, “Let’s go to the other side.” They agree to take a journey with Jesus. We are pilgrim people who travel the highway of life not alone but with Jesus. Some risks may come with the journey. Traveling with Jesus means our life is not our own. Like Job during these travels good and evil may come our way. But all is not lost. During the disciple’s journey across the small body of water with Jesus a storm arises. They are so fearful that they think that Jesus does not care about what happens to them.

1. Storms happen. The bible teaches us that rain falls on the just and the unjust. No matter your age, gender, education, zip code, etc. storms happen. But we should be assured before the storm that Jesus teaches that in this life we will have trouble but he counseled his disciples to be of good cheer that HE has overcome the things of this world.

2. Storms don’t last always. Storms are temporary. Despite the storms, our destination has been assured. Jesus said let’s go over to the other side. What has been planned for us is for us despite storm interruptions. Weeping may endure for a night but joy is destined to come.

3. Get Jesus involved in your dilemma. The disciples tried to solve the issue on their own. They bailed out water. They tried to keep the sails intact. They tried to keep the boat from falling apart all the while Jesus is asleep on the boat. Some things are overcome not by power, nor by might but it is by HIS spirit. Don’t wait until all goes wrong get Jesus involved early on and keep him involved.

4. Speak to your storm. Jesus calls peace out of chaos. Use your faith and prophetic imagination to create a new reality – a divine reality for your life. All is not lost. You can survive the storms in your life. Allow Jesus to give you the spiritual and practical leadership you need to make it happen.

Just like Gloria Gaynor sang I will survive you too can survive. Be at peace. You are going over to the other side. Remember the old gospel song, He’s sweet I know. He’s sweet I know. Storm clouds may rise, strong winds my blow. I’ll tell the world wherever I go that I’ve found a savior and he’s sweet I know.